Ecology and Environment: WSL EPFL

This lecture delves into the work of the Ecos laboratory at EPFL, focusing on the study of natural mountain environments and their sensitivity to global changes, particularly climate change. Researchers aim to understand the ecological interactions between key species like George, a fir tree, and Marguerite, a dairy cow, in the Jura mountains. They investigate the impact of environmental stress on these ecosystems and simulate climate change effects on vegetation and soil resistance. The lecture also explores the role of less prominent plants in grasslands and the potential consequences of climate change on carbon sequestration in peatlands. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the Ecos team provides insights and tools for sustainable management of semi-natural ecosystems, crucial for both nature and human well-being.